How long were/have you been you trying to grow your family?
I was diagnosed with infertility eight years ago. We became pregnant in the late
summer of 2016.
· Where are you currently at in the process?
I am trying to conceive for baby number two. My son is four and was conceived
through natural-cycle IVF.
· What was/is your biggest struggle or struggles with trying to grow your family?
Because I have primary infertility, I knew that we would have to return to my RE
for a sibling, but that doesn’t make the process any less daunting. My greatest struggle with expanding our family is my age. I am thirty-seven years old and will be thirty-eight at the end of 2021 and the possibility of new issues with my reproductive health brings some anxieties. Not to mention getting pregnant and possible pregnancy complications.
· What does it feel like to want to grow your family?
It feels like a constant juggle between wanting a new baby in the house and also
enjoying the growth and independence of my son. Going back and forth with
myself and deciding whether I have the capacity to start the process over again.
· How did you find out your family was finally going to grow like you had hoped or are you still trying?
Still trying to conceive and will soon return to my RE unless I have a change of
heart, again.
· Were you able to find hope and a silver lining during your struggle?
My silver-lining has been the voice of strength I’ve tapped into since giving birth to my son after infertility. I have stepped into a version of me that I often
dreamed, but would often talk myself out of doing it. I’ve always been very
opinionated and bold with my message but allowing myself to be vulnerable was
once a scary thought.
· What did you learn through the process of trying to grow your family?
I am still learning and most days, I do not pressure myself into figuring out the
why. I choose to wake up each morning with a grateful heart and give thanks to
the universe for the woman I am today.
· How have you changed as a person by going through this trial?
On a large scale, I have not changed, but I am more mindful of the things I need
to adjust mentally that say my life will be better “if.” Being content with where I am in life now, is most important and makes each day easier.
· What encouragement and light can you share with others going through this?
Take it one day at a time. Cliche I know, but it helps to decrease overwhelm
about tomorrow. Focus on small attainable goals and when you’ve completed them, tackle the next stage. Know that setbacks are bound to happen at any moment on any day of the week, be open to whatever may come, and navigate the challenge accordingly.
Instagram: @infertilityandmepodcast
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